Happy Birthday Kate

We celebrated Kate's 2nd birthday (May 25)

in Connecticut while we were visiting Erik's family.

Cousins

Tyler and Kylie (1st and 2nd from left) are Crista (Erik's twin sister) and Chuck's kids. They shared their house and toys and new swing set for Kate's party. (Thanks Crista and Bethany for decorating and thanks everyone for the cute gifts. Kate had a great day.)

Back home, opening gifts from Pappy and MeMa.

(and thanks for the watch Jan!)

Trees, final chapter

As promised, here is the "after" photo of the new trees. The edge of the grass is where the old line of trees was, so all the dirt (which we hope will become grass this fall) is "new" space.

Outside

Caleb, 10 weeks

Sidewalk chalk

Biking

Hopscotch

Playmates

Mother's Day

I'm on a perpetual quest for heriloom-quality family photos: serenely smiling subjects, complementary outfits, scenic setting, balanced composition, proper focus, all eyes open. Alas, with a family of six it may never come to pass. But who needs perfection, when you can capture these little personalities and preserve them for posterity?! (although i'm sure i'll keep trying...)

Brothers

so much for "in focus" :)

Sisters

Trees!

Here's the short version of the tree saga:

Our house had a small back yard but a lush, beautiful screen of Leland cypress trees all the way across the back. * We discovered (a story in itself) that there was at least as much yard behind the row of trees as in front of it. * We had 23 trees cut down and planted 7 new 14 foot trees along the actual back line of our property. * In a few years we will again enjoy the privacy and greenery of mature cypress trees--and a yard that's twice as big.

These pictures don't show the entire drama (the bobcat, stump grinder, etc.), but I think you'll get the general idea. Obviously the kids were enthralled by the process.

Before

Timber!

Watching

Still Watching

Exposed

Watching Again (not pictured: stump grinder)

Delivery

Back to watching right after this snack break.

(Check back later for a picture of the finished product.)

Catching Up

Caleb, 6 weeks

I'm afraid she knows how cute she is.

Picking strawberries with the Frasers.

Caleb, 8 weeks

In Everything Give Thanks

Lately, Kate has been composing her own prayers at bedtime. Here, for your spiritual edification, is a compilation of two or three recent offerings (transcribed phonetically in local dialect for full effect):

Dear Heav Fahder,
Tank you fer mommy. Tank you fer daddy. Tank you fer meg. Tank you fer brudder*. Tank you fer Keyweeb**. Tank you fer give sins. Tank you fer boo-boo my foot on door. Tank you fer my toof hurting. Tank you fer Kate. Tank you fer mommy. Tank you fer daddy. Tank you fer bubbose***. Tank you fer nigh-night****. Tank you fer Keyweeb. In Jesus Christ his onwy son our word. [we're learning the Apostles' Creed] Amen.

*Nate; **Caleb; ***bubbles; ****blanket